UGC NET- Paper 1- People Development & Environment Notes Free e-book

UGC NET- Paper 1- People Development &

Environment Notes

The People, Development, and Environment section in UGC NET Paper 1 is

crucial as it evaluates a candidate's understanding of the interrelationship
between development and environmental sustainability. It encompasses
pressing issues such as anthropogenic impacts, pollution, resource utilization,
climate change, and disaster management, along with significant environmental
policies and international agreements.

Weightage and Question Distribution

 The People, Development, and Environment unit typically carries 5-6

questions in Paper 1, amounting to 10-12 marks.
 Questions may range from theoretical definitions to applied case-based
scenarios and recent developments, such as the Paris Agreement or
India's National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC).

Table of Content

Content
Development and Environment: MDGs and SDGs
Human and Environment Interaction
Environmental Issues: Local, Regional, and Global
Climate Change and Its Socio-Economic and Political Dimensions
Impacts of Pollutants on Human Health
Natural and Energy Resources
Natural Hazards and Disasters: Mitigation Strategies
Acts and Framework related to Environment
Conclusion: People, Development, and Environment

Development and Environment: MDGsand SDGs

1. Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)

The MDGs were a set of 8 global goals established in 2000 by the United Nations
to address key global challenges, with a target year of 2015 for their
achievement.

Key Features of MDGs:

Goal 1: Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger.

Goal 2: Achieve universal primary education.
Goal 3: Promote gender equality and empower women.
Goal 4: Reduce child mortality.
Goal 5: Improve maternal health.
UGC NET- Paper 1- People Development & Environment Notes Free e-book

Goal 6: Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other diseases.

Goal 7: Ensure environmental sustainability.
Goal 8: Develop a global partnership for development.

Achievements of MDGs:
 Significant reduction in poverty rates globally.
 Improved access to primary education, especially for girls.
 Reduction in child mortality and improved maternal health care.

Challenges of MDGs:
 Uneven progress across regions, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa and
South Asia.
 Limited emphasis on sustainable development and environmental
concerns.

2. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) succeeded the MDGs in 2015 with a
broader and more comprehensive framework, comprising 17 goals and 169
targets to be achieved by 2030.

Key Features of SDGs:

Goal 1: No poverty.
Goal 2: Zero hunger.
Goal 3: Good health and well-being.
Goal 4: Quality education.
Goal 5: Gender equality.
Goal 6: Clean water and sanitation.
Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy.
Goal 8: Decent work and economic growth.
Goal 9: Industry, innovation, and infrastructure.
Goal 10: Reduced inequalities.
Goal 11: Sustainable cities and communities.
Goal 12: Responsible consumption and production.
Goal 13: Climate action.
Goal 14: Life below water.
Goal 15: Life on land.
Goal 16: Peace, justice, and strong institutions.
Goal 17: Partnerships for the goals.

Unique Aspects of SDGs:

 Integration of sustainability in all goals, addressing environmental,
economic, and social dimensions.
 Focus on inclusivity, ensuring no one is left behind.
 Universal applicability to both developed and developing countries.
UGC NET- Paper 1- People Development & Environment Notes Free e-book

Challenges in Achieving SDGs:

 Climate change and environmental degradation.
 Global economic disparities and lack of adequate funding.
 Need for stronger international cooperation and partnerships

Human and Environment Interaction

Human-environment interaction refers to the dynamic relationship between

human activities and the natural environment. Anthropogenic activities, driven
by industrialization, urbanization, agriculture, and technological advancements,
have significantly altered ecosystems, leading to environmental challenges.

1. Major Anthropogenic Activities

 Deforestation
o Clearing forests for agriculture, urban expansion, and logging.
o Example: Amazon rainforest destruction.
 Urbanization
o Rapid expansion of cities, encroachment of wetlands, and habitat
destruction.
o Impact: Increased urban heat islands and air pollution.
 Industrialization
o Establishment of industries emitting pollutants (e.g., chemicals,
greenhouse gases).
o Impact: Air, water, and soil pollution.
 Agriculture
o Use of fertilizers, pesticides, and monoculture practices.
o Impact: Soil degradation, eutrophication, and biodiversity loss.
 Mining and Quarrying
o Extraction of minerals and fossil fuels.
o Impact: Land degradation, habitat destruction, and groundwater
contamination.
 Transportation
o Emission of greenhouse gases from vehicles.
o Impact: Contribution to climate change and air quality
deterioration.
 Energy Production
o Dependence on fossil fuels for electricity and heat.
o Impact: Increased carbon emissions and depletion of natural
resources.
 Waste Generation
o Disposal of solid, liquid, and electronic waste.
o Impact: Soil and water contamination, health hazards.
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2. Environmental Impacts of Anthropogenic Activities

 Air Pollution
o Sources: Industrial emissions, vehicular exhaust, and burning fossil
fuels.
o Effects: Respiratory diseases, acid rain, and smog.
 Water Pollution
o Sources: Industrial effluents, agricultural runoff, and sewage.
o Effects: Contamination of water bodies, loss of aquatic life, and
health issues.
 Soil Degradation
o Causes: Overgrazing, deforestation, and excessive use of
chemicals.
o Effects: Loss of fertility, desertification, and erosion.
 Climate Change
o Causes: Greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and industrial
activities.
o Effects: Global warming, melting glaciers, rising sea levels, and
extreme weather events.
 Biodiversity Loss
o Causes: Habitat destruction, pollution, and introduction of invasive
species.
o Effects: Extinction of species and disruption of ecological balance.
 Ozone Layer Depletion
o Cause: Emission of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).
o Effects: Increased UV radiation leading to health risks (e.g., skin
cancer).
 Natural Resource Depletion
o Examples: Overfishing, groundwater extraction, and deforestation.
o Effects: Scarcity of resources for future generations.
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3. Socio-Economic and Political Implications

 Health Impacts:
o Increased prevalence of diseases due to pollution and unsafe water.
o Example: Respiratory issues from smog and waterborne diseases
like cholera.
 Economic Consequences:
o High costs of disaster recovery and healthcare.
o Loss of agricultural productivity due to soil degradation.
 Political Challenges:
o Conflicts over natural resource distribution (e.g., water disputes).
o Strain on international relations due to shared environmental
concerns.

4. Mitigation Strategies
 Sustainable Practices:
o Adopting renewable energy (solar, wind) and energy-efficient
technologies.
o Promoting organic farming and afforestation.
 Policy Interventions:
o Implementing strict environmental laws and regulations.
o Example: Environmental Protection Act, 1986 in India.
 Public Awareness:
o Promoting environmental education and sustainable lifestyles.
 International Collaboration:
o Agreements like the Paris Agreement, Kyoto Protocol, and Montreal
Protocol to tackle global challenges.

Environmental Issues: Local, Regional, and Global

Types of Environmental Issues

1. Local Environmental Issues

 Examples:
o Urban air pollution from vehicular emissions.
o Groundwater contamination due to industrial effluents.
o Deforestation for urban expansion.
 Impact:
o Directly affects local communities, such as health problems and loss
of livelihood (e.g., farmers, forest-dependent populations).

2. Regional Environmental Issues

 Examples:
o Acid rain affecting neighboring regions due to industrial emissions.
o Water scarcity in transboundary rivers.
 Impact:
o Involves multiple administrative areas, requiring inter-regional
cooperation.
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3. Global Environmental Issues

 Examples:
o Climate change and global warming.
o Ozone layer depletion.
 Impact:
o Affects the entire planet, requiring international agreements and
cooperation.

Specific Environmental Issues

1. Air Pollution
 Causes:
o Vehicular emissions, industrial discharges, burning fossil fuels, and
deforestation.
 Types of Pollutants:
o Particulate Matter (PM2.5, PM10), Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂), Nitrogen
Oxides (NOₓ ), Carbon Monoxide (CO).
 Effects:
o Health issues: Asthma, bronchitis, and cardiovascular diseases.
o Environmental: Smog, acid rain, and reduced visibility.
 Mitigation:
o Adopting cleaner fuels, stricter emission norms (e.g., BS VI in
India).

2. Water Pollution
 Causes:
o Discharge of untreated sewage and industrial effluents, agricultural
runoff, and oil spills.
 Effects:
o Contamination of drinking water sources.
o Loss of aquatic biodiversity.
o Diseases: Diarrhea, cholera, and mercury poisoning.
 Mitigation:
o Treating industrial waste before discharge, promoting organic
farming, and public awareness campaigns.

3. Soil Pollution
 Causes:
o Excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, industrial waste
dumping, and mining activities.
 Effects:
o Loss of soil fertility, contamination of crops, and land degradation.
 Mitigation:
o Adopting organic farming, waste management, and reforestation.
UGC NET- Paper 1- People Development & Environment Notes Free e-book

4. Noise Pollution
 Causes:
o Vehicular traffic, construction activities, industrial operations, and
urbanization.
 Effects:
o Hearing loss, stress-related illnesses, and disruption of wildlife
habitats.
 Mitigation:
o Enforcing noise pollution norms, creating silent zones, and
promoting public awareness.
UGC NET- Paper 1- People Development & Environment Notes Free e-book

5. Waste Management
 Solid Waste: Includes municipal solid waste like plastics and paper.
 Liquid Waste: Includes sewage and industrial effluents.
 Biomedical Waste: Waste from healthcare facilities (e.g., syringes,
bandages).
 Hazardous Waste: Toxic chemicals, radioactive materials.
 Electronic Waste (E-waste): Discarded electronic gadgets containing
heavy metals.
 Mitigation:Promoting recycling, waste segregation, and sustainable
disposal methods like incineration and composting.

Climate Change and Its Socio-Economic and Political Dimensions

Causes of Climate Change

 Natural Causes: Volcanic eruptions, solar radiation changes.
 Human Activities: Greenhouse gas emissions (CO₂, CH₄, N₂O) from
burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrialization.

Effects of Climate Change

 Environmental Impacts:
o Melting glaciers, rising sea levels, and loss of biodiversity.
o Increased frequency of extreme weather events like cyclones and
droughts.
 Socio-Economic Impacts:
o Health: Spread of vector-borne diseases (e.g., malaria, dengue).
o Agriculture: Reduced crop yields due to changing rainfall patterns.
o Migration: Climate refugees due to submerging coastal areas.
 Political Impacts:
o Conflicts over resource sharing (e.g., water).
o Pressure on governments for climate action and policy-making.

Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies

Global Initiatives:
 Paris Agreement (2015): Limit global temperature rise to below 2°C.
 Kyoto Protocol (1997): Reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
 International Solar Alliance (ISA): Promote solar energy use.

National Actions:
 National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC): Eight missions,
including solar energy and energy efficiency.
 Afforestation programs like the Green India Mission.

Local-Level Adaptations:
 Rainwater harvesting, community-based disaster management, and
sustainable agriculture.
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Impacts of Pollutants on Human Health

Pollutants in air, water, soil, and food systems significantly affect human health,
causing a wide range of acute and chronic illnesses. Here are the impacts of
various types of pollution on human health, presented in an engaging and
concise format:

1. Air Pollution:
 Respiratory Issues: Asthma, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease (COPD).
 Cardiovascular Diseases: Increased risk of heart attacks and strokes due
to fine particulate matter (PM2.5).
 Cancers: Long-term exposure to air toxins can lead to lung cancer.
 Neurological Effects: Developmental delays and cognitive decline due to
toxins like lead and mercury in the air.

2. Water Pollution
 Waterborne Diseases: Cholera, dysentery, and diarrhea due to microbial
contamination.
 Heavy Metal Poisoning: Arsenic in water causes skin lesions and cancers;
mercury impacts the nervous system.
 Reproductive Health Issues: Pollutants like pesticides in water can disrupt
hormones.
 Kidney Damage: High nitrate levels in water lead to methemoglobinemia
(“blue baby syndrome”).

3. Soil Pollution
 Food Contamination: Crops absorb toxic chemicals (e.g., cadmium, lead),
entering the food chain.
 Immune System Suppression: Long-term exposure to pesticides and
industrial waste reduces immunity.
 Developmental Delays: High levels of lead in soil affect brain development
in children.

4. Noise Pollution
 Hearing Loss
 Mental Stress
 Heart Problems

5. Waste Pollution
 Biomedical Waste: Spread of infections (e.g., hepatitis, HIV) from
improper disposal of medical waste.
 Electronic Waste (E-Waste): Heavy metals like cadmium and lead in e-
waste affect kidneys, bones, and the brain.
 Solid Waste: Decaying garbage emits methane, causing respiratory issues
and contributing to global warming.
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6. Climate Change
 Heat-Related Illnesses: Heat strokes and dehydration from rising
temperatures.
 Vector-Borne Diseases: Expanded range of diseases like malaria and
dengue due to changing climate patterns.
 Malnutrition: Crop failures from extreme weather events threaten food
security.

Natural and Energy Resources

Natural and energy resources are vital for sustaining life, economic
development, and industrial growth. However, their sustainable use is essential
to mitigate environmental degradation and ensure long-term availability.

1. Solar Energy
 Key Features:
o Renewable and abundant.
o Harnessed through solar panels, photovoltaic cells, and
concentrated solar power (CSP).
 Applications:
o Electricity generation, water heating, and solar cooking.
 Challenges:
o High initial cost, intermittent supply (dependent on sunlight
availability).
 Sustainability:
o Promote rooftop solar installations and government subsidies (e.g.,
India’s National Solar Mission).

2. Wind Energy
 Key Features:
o Renewable and pollution-free.
o Wind turbines convert wind energy into electricity.
 Applications:
o Power generation, especially in coastal and windy regions.
 Challenges:
o High setup cost, intermittent supply, and impact on bird
populations.
 Sustainability:
o Development of offshore wind farms and hybrid energy systems
combining solar and wind.
UGC NET- Paper 1- People Development & Environment Notes Free e-book

3. Soil
 Key Features:
o Non-renewable resource formed over millions of years.
o Vital for agriculture, forestry, and biodiversity.
 Applications:
o Crop cultivation, construction, and carbon sequestration.
 Challenges:
o Erosion, salinization, and contamination from overuse of fertilizers
and pesticides.
 Sustainability:
o Promote soil conservation techniques, organic farming, and
afforestation.

4. Hydro Energy
 Key Features:
o Renewable and consistent energy source.
o Generated from flowing or stored water (dams).
 Applications:
o Electricity generation, irrigation, and flood control.
 Challenges:
o Displacement of communities, ecological disruptions, and
sedimentation in dams.
 Sustainability:
o Develop small and micro-hydel projects to minimize ecological
impact.

5. Geothermal Energy
 Key Features:
o Renewable energy harnessed from heat stored in the Earth's crust.
o Utilized through geothermal power plants.
 Applications:
o Electricity generation, space heating, and agriculture (e.g.,
greenhouse heating).
 Challenges:
o High drilling costs, limited availability to geologically active regions.
 Sustainability:
o Focus on technological advancements to improve efficiency and
expand access.
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6. Biomass Energy
 Key Features:
o Renewable energy from organic matter (e.g., wood, crop residues,
animal waste).
o Converted into biogas, biodiesel, and ethanol.
 Applications:
o Cooking, heating, and transportation fuels.
 Challenges:
o Overexploitation of biomass can lead to deforestation and air
pollution.
 Sustainability:
o Promote sustainable harvesting, biogas plants, and waste-to-energy
projects.

7. Nuclear Energy
 Key Features:
o Generated through nuclear fission of uranium or thorium.
o High energy density, low greenhouse gas emissions.
 Applications:
o Electricity generation and medical applications (e.g., cancer
treatment).
 Challenges:
o Radioactive waste management, risk of nuclear accidents, and
proliferation concerns.
 Sustainability:
o Develop safer reactor designs (e.g., thorium reactors) and
strengthen international regulations.

8. Forests
 Key Features:
o Renewable resource providing timber, fuelwood, and non-timber
products.
o Home to biodiversity and vital for climate regulation.
 Applications:
o Carbon sequestration, water cycle maintenance, and soil
conservation.
 Challenges:
o Deforestation, illegal logging, and forest degradation due to human
activities.
 Sustainability:
o Promote afforestation, reforestation, and community-based forest
management programs.
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Natural Hazards and Disasters: Mitigation Strategies

Natural hazards refer to naturally occurring events that pose risks to life,
property, and the environment. When these hazards result in significant
damage, they are termed disasters. Effective mitigation strategies are essential
to minimize their impact.

Types of Natural Hazards:

 Geological Hazards: Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, and
tsunamis.
 Hydro-Meteorological Hazards: Floods, droughts, cyclones, and
hurricanes.
 Biological Hazards: Epidemics, pandemics, and pest infestations.
 Climatic Hazards: Heatwaves, wildfires, and climate change-induced
events.

Impacts of Natural Disasters

 Human: Loss of life, injuries, displacement, and psychological trauma.
 Economic: Destruction of infrastructure, loss of livelihoods, and increased
recovery costs.
 Environmental: Degradation of ecosystems, deforestation, and water
contamination.
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Mitigation Strategies for Natural Hazards and Disasters

Preparedness
 Early Warning Systems:
o Advanced technology for forecasting (e.g., Doppler radar for
cyclones).
o Timely dissemination of alerts through mass media and digital
platforms.
 Community Training and Awareness:
o Educating communities about hazards and evacuation protocols.
o Mock drills and disaster response training.

Prevention and Risk Reduction

 Geological Hazards
o Earthquakes:
 Enforce building codes (earthquake-resistant structures).
 Identify and map seismic zones.
o Landslides:
 Afforestation and slope stabilization techniques.
 Restrict construction in landslide-prone areas.
 Hydro-Meteorological Hazards
o Floods:
 Construction of embankments and levees.
 Rainwater harvesting and watershed management.
o Cyclones:
 Cyclone shelters in vulnerable areas.
 Mangrove plantations to act as natural barriers.
 Climatic Hazards
o Reduce greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate climate change
impacts.
o Promote sustainable land and water management practices.

Response
 Disaster Management Plans:
o Develop national, state, and local disaster management plans.
o Strengthen coordination among disaster response agencies.
 Emergency Services:
o Rapid deployment of rescue teams, medical aid, and food supplies.
o Use of technology like drones for rescue and relief.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

 Post-Disaster Reconstruction:
o Rebuild infrastructure with improved resilience.
o Provide housing, healthcare, and livelihoods to affected populations.
 Psycho-Social Support:
o Counseling and mental health programs for trauma victims.
 Compensation and Insurance:
o Disaster insurance for property and crops.
o Government relief packages for victims.
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Institutional and Legal Framework

1. National and International Efforts

 India:
o Disaster Management Act (2005): Establishes the National Disaster
Management Authority (NDMA).
o National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project (NCRMP).

2. Global
 Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015-2030): Focuses on
reducing disaster risk and building resilience.
 Hyogo Framework for Action (2005-2015): Preceded the Sendai
Framework with similar objectives.

Role of Technology in Disaster Mitigation

 GIS and Remote Sensing: Mapping hazard-prone areas and monitoring

real-time events.
 Artificial Intelligence (AI): Predicting disasters and optimizing resource
allocation during emergencies.
 Drones: Effective in search and rescue operations and damage
assessment.

Community Participation in Disaster Mitigation

 Local communities are the first responders and play a crucial role in
reducing vulnerabilities.
 Methods:
o Community-based disaster management (CBDM).
o Participation in afforestation, watershed management, and
awareness programs.

Sustainable Development and Disaster Mitigation

 Integrating disaster risk reduction into development planning ensures

long-term resilience.
 Examples: Building green infrastructure, promoting eco-friendly
technologies, and conserving natural ecosystems.
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Acts and Framework related to Environment

1. Environmental Protection Act (1986)

 Objective:
o To provide a framework for the protection and improvement of the
environment in India.
 Key Features:
o Authorizes the central government to take measures to prevent and
control environmental pollution.
o Covers air, water, and land pollution comprehensively.
o Empowers authorities to regulate industrial activities and ensure
compliance.
o Includes penalties for non-compliance (e.g., imprisonment and
fines).
 Significance:
o The act is an umbrella legislation for existing environmental laws
such as the Water Act (1974) and Air Act (1981).
o Instrumental in regulating hazardous waste and protecting
ecosystems.

2. National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)

 Objective:
o To address climate change through sustainable development and
promote renewable energy.
 Launched: 2008 by the Government of India.
 Key Missions:
o National Solar Mission: Promotes solar energy.
o National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency (NMEEE): Focuses
on reducing energy consumption.
o National Water Mission: Ensures water conservation and
management.
o National Mission for a Green India: Targets afforestation and
ecological sustainability.
o National Mission on Sustainable Habitat: Promotes urban waste
management and energy efficiency in buildings.
o National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture: Encourages climate-
resilient agricultural practices.
o National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change:
Advances research on climate change impacts.
o National Mission on Himalayan Ecosystem: Protects fragile
Himalayan ecosystems.
 Significance:
o Enhances India's commitment to combating climate change.
o Aligns with global sustainable development goals.
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3. Montreal Protocol (1987)

 Objective:
o To phase out substances that deplete the ozone layer, such as
CFCs.
 Significance:
o One of the most successful international environmental
agreements.
o Led to the recovery of the ozone layer.

4. Rio Summit (1992)

 Official Name: United Nations Conference on Environment and
Development (UNCED).
 Outcomes:
o Agenda 21: A global action plan for sustainable development.
o Rio Declaration: Principles guiding sustainable development.
o Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD): Protection of biodiversity.
o UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC):
Framework for climate change mitigation.

5. Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) (1992)

 Objective:To conserve biodiversity, promote sustainable use, and share
benefits of genetic resources.
 Significance:Promotes global biodiversity targets (e.g., Aichi Targets,
Post-2020 Framework).

6. Kyoto Protocol (1997)

 Objective:
o To reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and combat climate
change.
 Key Features:
o Legally binding targets for developed countries.
o Introduced mechanisms like Clean Development Mechanism (CDM).
 Significance:
o Preceded the Paris Agreement as a global climate change treaty.

7. Paris Agreement (2015)

 Objective:
o To limit global warming to well below 2°C, with efforts to keep it
below 1.5°C.
 Key Features:
o Countries submit Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)
outlining climate actions.
o Promotes financial and technological support for developing
countries.
 Significance:
o Marks a global shift towards carbon neutrality and sustainable
practices.
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8. International Solar Alliance (ISA) (2015)

 Objective:
o To promote solar energy and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
 Headquarters: Gurugram, India.
 Key Features:
o Focuses on solar capacity building, funding, and innovation.
 Significance:
o Encourages international cooperation in renewable energy.

9. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

(UNFCCC) (1992)
 Objective:
o To stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere to
prevent dangerous human interference with the climate system.
 Key Features:
o Establishes the basis for future climate change negotiations,
including the Kyoto Protocol and Paris Agreement.
o Mandates regular review and reporting of national GHG emissions.
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10. Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species

of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) (1973)
 Objective:
o To ensure that international trade in wild animals and plants does
not threaten their survival.
 Key Features:
o Regulates the trade of over 35,000 species of animals and plants.
o CITES protects species by listing them in different appendices based
on their risk of extinction.
 Significance:Effective in controlling poaching and illegal trade, contributing
to biodiversity conservation.

11. Stockholm Declaration (1972)

 It address environmental problems on a global scale, with a focus on the
relationship between the environment and human development.
 Key Features:
o First international declaration recognizing the need for
environmental protection and sustainable development.
o Set the stage for the United Nations Environment Programme
(UNEP).

12. Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (1971)

 Objective:
o To ensure the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands
worldwide.

 Key Features:
o Promotes the protection of wetlands that are crucial for biodiversity
and water regulation.
o Recognizes and designates Wetlands of International Importance
(Ramsar sites).

13. The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification

(UNCCD) (1994)
 Objective:To combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought in
countries experiencing serious land degradation.
 Key Features:
o Focuses on regions of Africa, Asia, and Latin America where
desertification is most severe.
o Promotes sustainable land management practices.

14. The Minamata Convention on Mercury (2013)

 Objective:To protect human health and the environment from mercury
emissions and releases.
UGC NET- Paper 1- People Development & Environment Notes Free e-book

 Key Features:
o Regulates the use of mercury in products, industries, and artisanal
gold mining.
o Aims to reduce global mercury pollution and protect vulnerable
populations, such as pregnant women and children.

15. The Paris Agreement on Climate Change (2015)

 Objective:To limit global warming to below 2°C above pre-industrial
levels, with an aim to limit it to 1.5°C.
 Key Features:
o Nationally determined contributions (NDCs) by countries.
o Focuses on financial support for developing nations and a long-term
global climate goal of carbon neutrality.

Conclusion: People, Development, and Environment

The topic People, Development, and Environment provides a comprehensive

understanding of the interplay between human activities, sustainable
development, and environmental protection. It highlights the growing
importance of addressing environmental concerns while promoting socio-
economic development for present and future generations.
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